What Is The Difference Between A Thermal And Ignition Barrier?
If you’re not protecting your spray foam, you should be. There are different types of barriers available that are designed to keep your spray foam insulation in peak condition and ensure your home’s safety. Today, your trusted spray foam experts at Foam Bear Orlando will be introducing you to thermal and ignition barriers as a couple of your best options.
Keep reading to find out the differences between the two before reaching out to us for a free estimate on premium spray foam insulation near you!
Ignition Barriers Are Your First Line of Defense
Judging by the name, you can probably guess the role of an ignition barrier. Spray foam insulation is safe on its own, but you can take extra measures to protect it (and your home) by using an ignition barrier that helps prevent the insulative material from catching on fire. Ignition barriers are commonly used in Orlando homes as a preventive measure and are typically used in high-risk areas that are away from the main living space.
There are two types of ignition barriers:
- Coatings that are applied in a thin layer over spray foam insulation.
- Fanfold panels that are placed in harder-to-access areas like vents and crawl spaces.
If there’s anything you take away from this guide, just remember that ignition barriers are made to prevent insulation materials from igniting and causing a fire.
Thermal Barriers Work Overtime to Protect Your Home
When you want to add a bit of protection to your spray foam in the more livable areas of your Orlando home, thermal barriers get the job done. Thermal barriers are designed to resist heat which can slow down the spread of fire. This trait makes thermal barriers a better choice around potential fire hazards like heat-producing appliances in the kitchen or living room.
Thermal barriers used for spray foam can be made in a variety of heat-resistant materials, including:
- Paints or coatings that can be applied directly onto your spray foam insulation.
- Drywall, being one of the more common options for many homes and businesses in Orlando.
- Plywood which is not as common but works well in certain situations.
Slowing down the spread of an accidental fire could mean life or death. When getting spray foam insulation in Orlando, it is always advised to install a thermal barrier for safe measures!
Which One Is Better? When to Use Ignition vs Thermal Barriers
Between ignition and thermal barriers, it’s not a matter of one being better than the other. They each have their own purposes, and both can be used in different areas of the household.
Ignition barriers aim to prevent the start of fires and can be applied to spray foam in non-livable areas of the home like the attic or crawl space.
Thermal barriers slow down the spread of fire and should be applied onto spray foam closer to heat-producing appliances in livable areas.
There are more ways to protect your spray foam in Orlando for the best results. Just ask your local suppliers to hook you up for a safer home and a more enjoyable space!
Let Foam Bear Orlando Protect Your Spray Foam Insulation!
As your trusted team of spray foam experts in the area, we can introduce you to all of your options for protecting your new spray foam insulation. Reach out to Foam Bear Orlando today at (727) 580-1090 to get a free estimate on premium spray foam products, protective barriers, and professional installation!